Mastering the Lush, Greened-Foliage Style in Your Garden: Expert Recommendations (9 Pointers)
In 2025, the hottest trend in garden design focuses on a lush, serene aesthetic achieved through a layered green-on-green look. Proponents of this style argue that the tranquil quality of this approach can be highly soothing, but caution that the results depend on skillful implementation.
According to landscape designer Paul Broadhurst, limitations on color can create a challenge that demands more careful consideration during the design process. "If you do it badly, it can easily become monotonous," he warns. However, the Seattle-based designer is a strong advocate for foliage-centric gardens and offers expert advice on how to create a stunning green oasis.
- Include natural materials:Incorporating organic materials such as twig fences or rough-hewn steps not only adds organic shapes but also offers structural support to a pathway. These elements help break up the verdant landscape without disrupting its soothing qualities.
- Vary shades of green:Molly Wood, a Southern California-based landscape designer, stresses the importance of applying the same principles of balance and proportion to an all-green garden as one with vibrant colors. To achieve this, she recommends choosing plants with different hues of green, from silvery to deep emerald.
- Add a splash of color:Contrasting colors, particularly red, can bring life and energy to a green-drenched garden. However, it's important to remember that the focus should still be on the green foliage, and a little color goes a long way.
- Don't go for uniformity:Landscape designer Katie Tamony encourages gardeners to avoid choosing plants of the same height, instead opting for a mix of tall shrubs or trees, medium-sized shrubs, and ground covers to create a visually appealing layered effect.
- Use variegation sparingly:While variegated leaves can add interest, they may create a chaotic look if overused. "Use leaf variegation sparingly," advises Paul Broadhurst, as too much can detract from the overall green theme.
- Embrace greenery on walls:Tamony encourages the addition of greenery to hardscapes, such as green screens. This touch can soften hardscapes and help define spaces within the garden.
- Vary textures:Molly Wood emphasizes the importance of texture when green-drenching. A mix of large, glossy leaves and thin, vertical grasses can create striking contrasts and visual interest.
- Experiment with planting numbers:Tamony advises gardeners not to feel confined by the common design rule of planting in threes. Instead, she suggests varying the number of plants used for each variety to create more impact in a green-drenched garden.
- Create negative space:While you want your garden to be immersed in green, it's crucial to have some open areas to make the space feel liveable and inviting. Wood achieves this balance by incorporating modern hardscaping and containers.
By following these expert tips, garden enthusiasts can create their own beautiful, serene green-drenched gardens in 2025. Moreover, conscious design choices such as incorporating native plants, drought-tolerant plants, and eco-friendly materials can help foster biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
- Follow landscape designer Paul Broadhurst's advice and incorporate organic materials like twig fences or rough-hewn steps to add structural support and break up monotony in a foliage-centric garden.
- Molly Wood, a Southern California-based designer, suggests choosing plants with different shades of green, from silvery to deep emerald, to create a balanced and visually appealing green oasis.
- Katie Tamony, another landscape designer, encourages incorporating greenery on walls, such as green screens, to soften hardscapes and help define spaces within the garden, adding to the overall serene aesthetic.
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